Explore Fellowships That Advance Research and Growth

Who fellowships are for

Fellowships serve people at many stages: graduate students working on a thesis, postdoctoral researchers, mid-career professionals, journalists, policy specialists and community leaders. The common thread is a defined project or development goal that the funder wants to support.

Unlike many scholarships, a fellowship often comes with expectations such as producing research, joining a cohort or contributing to the host organization.

Read the funder's mission statement and recent announcements. Fellowships are designed around specific goals, such as advancing a field, building leaders or supporting practitioners, and a proposal that clearly serves those goals is more convincing than one that only describes your own interests.

How to find and compare fellowships

Compare the stipend or funding, length, location and requirements. Some fellowships are residential and need you to relocate, while others are flexible or remote. Check whether the program covers travel, insurance and project costs, and whether you must keep another job or are free to focus full time.

Use our filters to narrow by country, level and funding type, then read the official page for terms. Look at what past participants did if the funder shares it, because it shows what a successful profile looks like.

Consider the full picture beyond the stipend: duration, location, expectations for outputs, access to facilities, mentoring and the network you would join. A fellowship with a modest stipend but strong mentoring or contacts may be more valuable to your career than a larger one with little support.

Typical eligibility, documents and timeline

Applications often include a CV, a project or research proposal, a statement of purpose, references and proof of qualifications. Some ask for work samples or an interview.

Fellowships tend to be competitive and may close many months before they begin. Begin by clarifying your project idea, then approach referees and, where required, a host supervisor early.

Referees matter. Choose people who know your work well, give them your proposal and deadline in advance, and explain what the fellowship asks for. A specific, enthusiastic letter usually carries more weight than a generic one from a more senior name.

Mistakes to avoid

A vague proposal is the most common weakness. State a clear question, what you will do, and why this fellowship is the right place to do it. Other mistakes include ignoring the funder's priorities, missing a requirement for a host institution letter, and leaving references to the last minute.

Read the terms on stipend, taxes and obligations after the fellowship ends. Apply only through the funder's official website.

If an interview is part of the process, expect questions about your plan, feasibility and impact. Practise explaining your project to someone outside your field, and be ready to discuss risks and what you would do if the first approach did not work.

Frequently asked questions

Keep exploring

Related categories: scholarships, research and jobs. You can also browse opportunities by country or read our application guides.

Helpful guides: Internship vs Fellowship: What Is the Difference?, How to Write a Statement of Purpose for a Scholarship and How to Get Strong Academic Recommendation Letters.